Tougher sentence sought for Spanish princess' husband

King Felipe's brother-in-law Inaki Urdangarin was sentenced earlier this year to six years and three months in prison for fraud and tax evasion.

Spain's Princess Cristina's husband Inaki Urdangarin arrives at a courthouse in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. The Supreme Court decides whether King Felipe's brother-in-law should be imprisoned while he awaits the court ruling on his  

MADRID: A prosecutor is asking Spain's Supreme Court to increase the sentence handed down to the brother-in-law of King Felipe by possibly eight years.

Inaki Urdangarin was sentenced earlier this year to six years and three months in prison for fraud and tax evasion.

The case centered on accusations that he embezzled about 6 million euros ($7 million) in public funds.

His wife, Princess Cristina, was absolved in the case but ordered to pay a fine.

Princess Cristina and her husband. (Photo | AP)

The state prosecutor appealed the verdict before the Supreme Court and today called for his sentence to be raised to up to 14 years and six months, chiefly for embezzlement.

The 2016 case was the first time a member of Spain's royal family was put on trial since the monarchy was restored in 1975.